Why is OSRAM SYLVANIA promoting recycling?
OSRAM SYLVANIA has always promoted lamp and ballast recycling as the most responsible method of disposal. Now we're making it easier than ever for our customers by partnering with Veolia Environmental Services to offer the RECYCLEPAK for sale through our website. It's just one more way we're helping our customers be environmentally responsible.
Why is OSRAM SYLVANIA developing a relationship with Veolia Environmental Services?
As industry leaders in North America, OSRAM SYLVANIA and VEOLIA Environmental Services are working together to offer environmentally responsible solutions to our customers. OSRAM SYLVANIA has always been the leader in environmentally preferable, energy-efficient lighting solutions. By offering the RecyclePak for sale through our website, OSRAM SYLVANIA is providing a complete range of lighting and recycling solutions.
What is the difference between VEOLIA Environmental Services and Onyx?
Onyx Environmental Services has been the leading provider of environmental services in the United States. As of July 1, 2006, Onyx North America has changed its name to VEOLIA Environment. VEOLIA has the capability to offer its clients with global operations a one-stop-shop for turnkey environmental services on a global scale.
What is RECYCLEPAK ? How will it work for me?
RECYCLEPAK is the fast and easy way to recycle lamps and ballasts, and home electronics. One price includes the shipping of packaging to you, return shipping and recycling. VEOLIA will even send you a certificate of recycling to confirm your waste was recycled in accordance with Federal and state regulations.
Why can't I just throw my lamps in the trash?
Lamps contain a very small amount of mercury and may be considered hazardous waste. Federal regulations require that spent universal and hazardous waste lamps be managed properly. Many states and local governments have banned lamps from solid waste facilities. Federal and state agencies endorse recycling as the preferred method of disposal of lamps.
Concerning Hg, the main goal should be to keep it out of the air and water. In the atmosphere, Hg can be slowly converted to ionic mercury—Hg++, also called “mercury two.” It is ionic mercury that can eventually dissolve in rain and come back down to Earth, where it may be converted by natural bacteria to methyl mercury (CH3Hg). This is the type of mercury that accumulates in fish and is often associated with effects on human health.
Mercury does not get into the air directly from an operating lamp. It may bind with the glass or the phosphors or other coatings, but it stays in the lamp. Even when lamps are manufactured, mercury is contained by manufacturing processes or captured by filters. This leaves only one opportunity for direct mercury release from lamps into the air—breakage at the end of the lamp’s life.
This occurs when lamps are thrown into dumpsters or garbage trucks, typically prior to disposal. Because the amount of mercury content in an individual lamp is so low, breaking a small number of lamps does not present a health threat to workers. The improper disposal of large numbers of lamps, however, adds to the global reservoir of mercury.
How can I reduce mercury exposure?
With a goal of keeping large amounts of mercury out of the air, the two greatest opportunities with electric lamps are: to use energy efficient lamps, (thereby driving down mercury emissions from coal fired power plants); and to avoid breakage when lamps are ready to be disposed.
The best way to avoid breakage at the end of life is to send intact lamps to Veolia Environmental Services, where it is estimated that only 0.2% to 0.4% of the mercury is emitted to the atmosphere.
Do I need to recycle?
Spent lamps and ballasts may contain hazardous waste. Federal regulations such as the Federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) require that hazardous waste be properly identified, stored, treated, transported and disposed.
Generators (users of these products) are financially responsible for cleaning up the effects of improper disposal. Alternative management standards may be available under state specific regulations.
Why does it cost money to recycle lamps?
Mercury containing lamps are now quite inexpensive to recycle. However, the process still costs more than the recycled content is worth, so users must pay a small fee to have them recycled.
Over the life cycle of a fluorescent lamp, the cost to recycle today is less than 1% of the cost of ownership, as the bulk of ownership dollars is spent to cover energy costs.
Should I recycle low mercury or TCLP compliant lamps?
Low-level mercury lamps or TCLP compliant lamps still contain mercury. SYLVANIA offers over 800 lamp types that meet TCLP compliance and are designated as "ECOLOGIC." Still, SYLVANIA recommends recycling as the preferred method of disposal.
Why can’t I use my existing box?
RECYCLEPAK return shipping containers have been tested and approved at an independent testing laboratory to determine compliance with applicable sections of 49 CFR pertaining to the safe transport of dangerous goods- Packaging Group III. The RECYCLEPAK lamp recycling boxes have gone through repetitive shock vibration tests, free fall drop tests, stacking tests and even water absorption tests. These extra steps are taken to ensure your materials are contained properly during shipment in order to minimize liability. Furthermore, all shipping carriers require these materials be shipped following certain guidelines and in some cases include additional containment mechanisms such as a poly liner. Lastly, regulations and labeling requirements vary by state. Existing manufacturer boxes my not include all or any of the above items.
Can I place an order by phone rather than online?
Yes. If you'd prefer to order via the phone, call 1-888-669-9725 toll-free and say "I'm a SYLVANIA customer."
What happens if I have questions, not answered here?
If you have specific questions about recycling, state regulations, or the OSRAM SYLVANIA partnership with VEOLIA Environmental Services, please call the OSRAM SYLVANIA customer service center at 1-800-LIGHTBULB. Questions about the RecyclePak and/or the recycling process should be directed to VEOLIA Environmental Services customer service toll-free at (888) 669-9725.